Gang, in the old sense – an informal collection of like minded fellas, in this case musicians that hang together because they all share a love for American Roots Music.  This well seasoned band performs music from across the American Roots spectrum from deep blues to country and rock and roll. – originals and covers. 

Band leader, Ray Gardner (Bass/vocals) formed the band around the idea that there were great musicians in the North Country who would love to play in a band that played an eclectic mix of music instead of carving a narrow niche in just a single genre.  So, he formed the gang.  Ray’s band is as much a mix of musicians as is its eclectic repertoire.  To start, there are three generations of musicians who rang in age from 20 something’s to 60 somethings!  The youngest member is drummer Alan Darrah, a Potsdam , NY resident and hardworking employee at Northern Music and Video who is well known in rock circles.  Keyboardist Thomas Beckstead is a fixture in North Country bands and known as the “B3 Man” because he plays the real deal, a Hammond B3 organ w/ Leslie.  Rick Bates, lead guitar, handles most of the vocals.  He also performs on the national blues scene as Tas Cru and currently has a charting CD (grizzle n’ bone) on Roots Music Radio Report.  Ray Gardner’s resume is rich having been a long time performer not only in the North Country but as far away as Nashville , TN as a member of the old time country group, The Lime Hollow Boys. Ray has done it all.  A multi-instrumentalist,  Ray has played just about every type of music heard in the last 50 years.

Ray’s Gang is all about a good time.  The band’s mix of roots music will appeal to a wide range of tastes and ages.  Its motto reads: “Audience Wanted – Listeners accepted, Dancers preferred!”

For more information about the band contact Ray Gardner at 315.769.6929.